Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard has become the fifth player to be inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, and the third to be inducted after a fan vote.
The 42-year-old, who is the premier goalscoring midfielder of his generation, was picked from a 23-man shortlist including David Beckham, Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard.
The iconic midfielder joins Roy Keane and Eric Cantona in being picked by supporters after inaugural inductees Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry were included at launch.
Lampard scored 177 goals on his way to becoming Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer in 609 Premier League appearances.
He won three Premier League titles during his 13-years at Stamford Bridge before going on to manage the club following his retirement from playing.
Speaking on his induction, Lampard said he had always idolised his fellow inductees while growing up and was honored to be amongst the class of players.
“As a young lad I remember just wanting to make it in to the West Ham team, and looking up to players like Roy Keane, Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry.
“So to be mentioned in the same bracket as them is a real honour. I am very proud and thankful for the recognition.”
Lampard was also named Premier League Player of the Season in the 2004/05 season when Chelsea went on to win the title under Jose Mourinho.
"You could always count on him"
Team-mates and former players explain what made Frank Lampard so special#PLHallOfFame pic.twitter.com/kI2nsYA7u8
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 19, 2021
KanyiDaily recalls that Lampard recently lost his job at Stamford Bridge after just 18 months as head coach, and was replaced by Thomas Tuchel.